Professional Land & Resource Management (PLRM)

Introducing Your Next Generation of Land Professionals

Accredited by the American Association of Professional Landmen (AAPL)

PLRM, The Professional Land & Resource Management Program, is a relatively new program at Western State Colorado University, initiating the curriculum in January 2008. It is housed in Western's business program, and is a multi-disciplinary emphasis that draws on some of the most interesting and challenging courses across several programs. The degree program was developed with direct cooperation of a variety of industry professionals with the shared goal of graduating the most prepared land professionals in the country.

Our added goal was that these students would be educated across the disciplines of oil, gas, and mining mineral management as well as, Native American, federal, state and privately owned real estate surface, water and environmental land management.

We believe with confidence this goal has been achieved, as evidenced by the caliber of students you will find highlighted in this site. You, too, will leave the program with a highly respected and sought after degree by industry.

Do You Have What It Takes?

Navigating the 21st century energy landscape with CHARACTER, EFFICIENCY and VERSATILITY​

CHARACTER We educate pioneers who do not shy from a challenge. A career as a land professional is not for the entitled, timid or easily discouraged. Our students choose Western because they have a drive to push themselves and have forged resilience by climbing 14ers, skiing, working two jobs while taking a full course-load in an unforgiving climate – and loving every minute of it.

EFFICIENCY The needs of the energy industry often shift as quickly as the weather in the Rockies. Western PLRM students are agile and sure footed. Whether in the field or in the office, we measure our success is by how quickly we add value.

VERSATILITY We are diplomats and explorers; we seek out opportunity and adventure. Never limited by geography, and as resourceful as we are practical. In Denver or Dickinson, from the boardroom to the courthouse, Western PLRM students deliver.

How To Apply

One of nine programs in North America, Western's PLRM program is the only one located in the Rocky Mountains. PLRM at Western is an intense hands-on program. We expect nothing short of excellence from our students.

PLRM applications are accepted year round, but only evaluated twice yearly on October 31st and February 1st.

Once your application is submitted you will be asked to interview with PLRM leadership.

Upon acceptance into the PLRM program, students may only begin the PLRM Program FALL semester.

The application to the PLRM program IS NOT an application for admission to Western State Colorado University. Applicants must be accepted to both the University and the program; for admission to Western click here.

An overall GPA of 3.0 or higher is required for program admission. On a case by case basis, students who have a GPA of less than 3.0, may attain formal admittance through a probationary process by completing their first 12 credits of PLRM emphasis area courses with an average GPA of 3.0 or higher.

A grade of “C” or above must be attained in all PLRM emphasis area courses to remain in the Program once admitted.

What Will You Learn? What Skills Will You Acquire?

The PLRM program trains students to have successful careers in energy exploration and development. The industry includes oil and gas as well as mining and alternative energy sources such as wind and solar. In Western’s PLRM program, you will take a wide variety of classes including the core business classes covering accounting, economics, management, and marketing plus specialized classes in geographic information systems, law, water and environmental issues, natural resource economics, and petroleum geology. Graduates have a strong business administration education supplemented by specialized courses related to the land management field.

From your coursework, internships and professional networking, you will develop a broad array of skills including the ability to: identify map areas of interest, understand metes and bounds descriptions from the research of land titles, negotiate leases, prepare curative documents, resolve disputes, and make presentations to management and investors.

Beyond the Classroom?

All students in Western’s program belong to the Western Association of Professional Landmen (WAPL) which offers professional activities. Many of the companies that contribute financial support to the program visit campus as speakers, presenting information sessions about their companies and topics of interest in the field. In addition the professional activities include interviewing students for summer internships and post-graduation employment.

Western students have access to industry professionals and multiple opportunities to network allowing them to find the type of career that best suits their interests. Classes are small enough that students get to know their professors and each other while they develop skills and knowledge that will serve them throughout their careers.

On campus interviews and social gatherings with professionals, already in the energy industry, looking to network with and hire Western students for summer internships and careers after graduation

Field trips are a vital part of the program. Trips include visits to actual mining and oil and gas production sites and discussions with people working in the industry. Western PLRM students also have the opportunity to attend industry conferences such as NAPE (formerly North American Prospect Expo) in Houston, and other conferences in Denver and Houston.

Field Trips to operating wells and drill sites.

WAPL Social events.

After Graduation

In the fall of 2011, 12 companies visited campus to recruit Western PLRM students, reflecting the incredible employment opportunities for students in the program. Nationally, graduates are in high demand and average a starting salary in excess of $25/hour. Land management graduates work alongside geologists and geophysicists in an energy company.

Next Steps

If you're interested in Western's Professional Land Resource Management (plrm) Program, we invite you to take the next steps towards becoming a part of the Mountaineer family.

Courses

FOR REQUIRED COURSES AND DEGREE PLANS, VISIT THE OFFICIAL UNIVERSITY CATALOG.
This is a list of courses offered by Western State Colorado University. To ensure the courses you need are offered during the current semester, please visit the current university catalog at http://www.western.edu/catalog. To determined the courses required for your major, check the "Majors and Minors" tab for your area of study.

BUAD 305 - APPLIED ENERGY SEMINAR (3 credits)

Introduction to the energy industry, including petroleum, minerals, wind, solar, and alternative fuels. Includes the history of the energy industry and provides basics in exploration, production, transportation and refining. Electricity generation and transmission is explored and global energy concepts are discussed. Prerequisite: admission into the PLRM program or instructor permission.

BUAD 320 - PETROLEUM LAND MANAGEMENT (3 credits)

Introduction to the field of land management in the petroleum industry. Covers the necessary knowledge and skills of the petroleum land professional, both in the U.S. and internationally. Topics include land survey systems, mineral ownership and severance, as well as oil and gas leases. Examines other oil and gas exploration and development phases. State and federal leasing is covered. Prerequisites admission into the PLRM program, or instructor permission.

BUAD 330 - MINING LAND MANAGEMENT (3 credits)

An examination of the impact of technology on traditional business functions including management, marketing, operations and distribution. Areas of study include the Internet, Intranets, and extranets, and their influence on business to consumer, business to business, and consumer to consumer e-commerce. Prerequisite: completion of Base Curriculum; or instructor permission.

BUAD 410 - WATER ENVIRONMENTAL LAW (3 credits)

A comprehensive case law study of water and environmental law, addressing the historical development of the riparian, prior appropriation, Federal and Indian water rights doctrines, and the emergence of Federal and State environmental law and policy, specifically addressing how water law and environmental law interface with and impact each other. This course will develop a knowledge base fundamental to the preparation of a student in the PLRM emphasis. Prerequisite: completion of Base Curriculum; or instructor permission. BUAD 210 recommended.

BUAD 420 - OIL AND GAS LAW CONTRACTS (3 credits)

Includes the nature and protection of oil and gas rights, conveying oil and gas rights, oil and gas leasing, as well as tax and other business matters. Case law based study of jurisprudence affecting the oil and gas industry. Emphasis is on oil and gas titles, leases, contracts, and mineral ownership. State regulation is also emphasized and international case studies are discussed. Prerequisites: admission into the PLRM program; BUAD 305; BUAD 320; or instructor permission. BUAD 330 recommended as a corequisite.

BUAD 491 - STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT (3 credits)

The formal analysis of an organization's macro and industry environment; its mission and goals; and strategy formulation, implementation, and control. This is a capstone course which integrates the studentâ€™s knowledge from the areas of accounting, finance, marketing, and management. Students are encouraged to take this course during their last semester; graduating seniors are given priority in enrollment. Prerequisites: completion of Base Curriculum; BUAD 309; BUAD 333 or 350; BUAD 360; and senior standing.

ECON 370 - NATURAL RESOURCE ECONOMICS (3 credits)

A study of the efficient and equitable use of society's scarce natural resources. This course discusses the application of economic theory to natural resource problems, such as externalities and resource extraction. Particular attention will be placed on Western United States issues, including water, energy, mineral extraction, forestry and public land use. Prerequisites: MATH 140, MATH 141, or MATH 151 with a minimum grade of "C-"; ECON 202 or ECON 215.

ENVS 350 - US AND WESTERN ENVIRONMENTAL POLITICS (3 credits)

An historical and contemporary investigation of U.S. environmental policies with an applied focus on the impact of national policy on the ecosystems and cultures of the American West. Reciprocally, this course traces how pubic lands agencies, social movements, historical land uses, and diverse cultures in the West shape U.S. environmental policy. Students combine analysis and discussion of major U.S. policies, prominent theories and issues, and student-led environmental service projects to better understand environmental challenges. Prerequisites: ENVS 100; ENVS 200 or COTH 202;and ECON 370.

GEOG 340 - INTRODUCTION TO GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS (3 credits)

An introduction to the concepts and techniques of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Topics covered include fundamentals of mapping, data formats, data acquisition, and quantitative analysis of spatial data. The laboratory component emphasizes practical applications of GIS to contemporary problems including but not limited to watershed analysis, land-use planning, environmental assessment, and market analysis. Prerequisites: GEOG 222 or GEOL 105; college-level mathematics requirement with a minimum grade of "C-"; junior standing or instructor permission.

GEOL 101 - PHYSICAL GEOLOGY GSC2 (3 credits)

An introductory class that emphasizes the environmental aspects of geology. The course covers the basic principles of physical geology, such as minerals, rocks, plate tectonics, earthquakes, volcanoes, and origin of landscapes by mass wasting, rivers, glaciers, ground water, and nearshore processes. Throughout this course, focus is on the effect of geology on human society through the study of geologic hazards, energy resources, and mineral resources.

GEOL 105 - PHYSICAL GEOLOGY LAB GSC1 (1 credits)

An introduction to identification of minerals and rocks and a discussion of their genesis followed by a study of landscapes formed by mass wasting, rivers, glaciers, ground water, and nearshore processes. Many of these principles are observed on local field trips. Prerequisite or corequisite: GEOL 101.

GEOL 240 - INTRODUCTION TO PETROLEUM AND MINING GEOLOGY (3 credits)

A survey of the physical and chemical processes responsible for the distribution of hydrocarbon and mineral resources in the Earth's crust and techniques for hydrocarbon and mineral resource exploration, assessment, and development. Includes field trips to oil and gas and mining operations in Colorado and Utah. Prerequisites: GEOL 101 and GEOL 105.

Scholarships

Scholarships associated with academic programs usually have a specific scholarship application form that can easily be obtained by contacting that academic program's office or visiting that academic program's web page.
If you have any questions, please contact the Financial Aid office at 970.943.3085 or 800.876.5309.

Chesapeake Energy PLRM Scholarship

Available to:
PLRM majors with a minimum GPA of 3.00. Students must demonstrate involvement in extracurricular activities and dedication to the PLRM program.

Gunnison Energy PLRM Scholarship For Gunnison Valley

Scholarship Available to:

Full-time students that are graduates of Gunnison High School and have been accepted in the PLRM program. Financial need may be considered. Students must be a Freshman or seeking an Additional Bachelors Degree.

Provided by:

Gunnison Energy Corporation. Amount: 2 awards of $2500 each.

Selected by:

Chair(s) of the PLRM Program in consultation with the Financial Aid Office. Application: Contact the Department of Business, Accounting & Economics for scholarship application and deadline information. (970) 943-2019 - Borick Business Building 213

Long, John S. Scholarship

Available to:
Juniors and Seniors in the Professional Land and Resource Management Program who have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or better.

Provided by:
The Denver Association of Petroleum Landmen in memory of John S. Long, a well-known and well-loved Landman in the Denver Oil Community.

Available to:Declared majors in Business, Accounting and Economics who are US citizens. Must be a full-time student with a GPA of 3.4 or greater. Must demonstrate academic promise and financial need. Preference given to students actively involved in the BAE department and involved on campus.

Available to:Declared majors in Business Administration, Jr or Sr status, full-time students with a GPA of 2.0 - 2.5 preferred. Student needs to be recommended by 1 or more WSC Business division faculty. Preference given to members of Delta Sigma Pi, New York State Residents and Community College graduates.

Available to:Gunnison High School graduate majoring in business, chemistry or history at Western State College, with a minimum of 30 credit hours. Students must be prepared to demonstrate financial need, a positive attitude and academic ability.Provided by:Dr. D.H. Cummins, Professor of History and Dean of Academic Affairs at Western State College, in memory of his wife, Mildred, who taught in the Gunnison Public Schools. In addition, contributions to the scholarship have been made by family and friends in memory of both D.H. and Mildred Cummins.Amount:Award depends on funds available.Selected by:Donor Scholarship Committee in cooperation with the Western State Foundation and the Director of Financial Aid.Application:Complete and submit Western's Common Scholarship Application. Narrative should demonstrate financial need, positive attitude and academic ability.

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[Anchor] DENVER ASSOCIATION OF PETROLEUM LANDMEN

Available to:Full-time students with at least a Junior status, enrolled in the Professional Land and Resource Management Program.

Available to:Full-time students that are graduates of Gunnison High School and have been accepted in the PLRM program. Financial need may be considered. Students must be a Freshman or seeking an Additional Bachelors Degree.

Provided by:Gunnison Energy Corporation.

Amount:2 awards of $2500 each.

Selected by:Chair(s) of the PLRM Program in consultation with the Financial Aid Office.

Available to:Full-time Business, Accounting or Economics majors. Recipients must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or better and have completed, or will complete 60 credit hours at WSC by semester end in which scholarship is awarded. Students must have financial need.

Provided by:A gift from F.S. Haverly who was an Accounting professor at Western for over 20 years.

Available to:Full-time female Business, Accounting or Economics majors, who are Colorado residents. Recipients must maintain a GPA of 3.2 or better and have recipient-year class standing of sophomore through senior. Students must have financial need.

Available to:Students with a declared majors in Accounting. Colorado residents and US citizens. Must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or greater, and demonstrate financial need. Preference placed on students who attended High School in communities with a population of less than 10,000. Scholarship may be renewable.

Available to:Business majors who are graduates of a Colorado high school. Students must have junior/senior status with a minimum GPA of 2.25. Students must demonstrate financial need and high personal standards.

[Anchor] MOUNT EMMONS PROJECT PROFESSIONAL LAND AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT SCHOLARSHIP

Available to:Full-time students with a junior or senior status within the PLRM program. Must demonstrate financial need. Must have a GPA of 2.85 or greater. Must express a strong interest in pursuing a professional career in the Natural Resource industry with a preference for students interested in a career in the mining industry and related fields. Must support the economic development of the nation's natural resources.

Available to:Full-time Business Administration majors. Recipients must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or better.

Provided by:Ralph Porter who was associated with Western State College for more than sixty years. He worked directly to serve the College as a student, Secretary to the President, Treasurer, and Business Manager.

REED, J. RALPH BUSINESS SCHOLARSHIP

Available to:Declared majors in Business, Accounting and Economics. Must be a full-time student with a GPA of 3.5 or greater. Must demonstrate academic promise and financial need. Students who have distingushed themselves as people of strong character and morals. Preference given to those actively involved in the department.

SLOAN, ALVA W. MEMORIAL ACCOUNTING INTERNSHIP

Available to:Students who have earned at least 60 hours of college credit and majoring in Accounting or Business at Western. Preference given to legal residents of Colorado; who qualify for financial assistance through work-study programs.

Provided by:His wife, Millie, family and friends, as a tribute to the memory of a man who served Western State College with exceptionally high standards for seventeen years as an Accountant and Controller.

URBAN, PAUL 'LEGENDS OF INDUSTRY' SCHOLARSHIP

Available to:Full-time students that have been accepted in the PLRM program. Recipients must maintain a 3.3 GPA and be involved in extra-curricular activities. Scholarship is to be used for tuition ONLY. Students who have scholarships that already cover tuition expenses are ineligible.

WHITING, VERN MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

Available to:Full-time students majoring in Business, Accounting or Economics. Students must be junior or senior standing and must demonstrate financial need. Students must have exhibited a work ethic that has assisted in financing their education. Preference given to non-traditional students.

Provided by:Vern's wife, Nell, and family and friends.

Amount:$250.

Selected by:Faculty of the BAE department in consultation with the Financial Aid Office.